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2018 Audi Q7 KBB Expert Review

4.7 out of 5

The 2018 Audi Q7 is the flagship SUV from the German luxury brand, a 3-row/7-passenger hauler that deftly competes with the Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX and BMW X5. The Q7 was revamped last year, when it entered its second generation as a lighter, lither and more advanced luxury vehicle. Audi's largest crossover SUV stands out with its dynamic driving nature and sophisticated technology that touts everything from innovative safety and semi-autonomous driving features to its future-is-here Virtual Cockpit with realistic Google-maps navigation. You won't find monstrous V8 power under the hood or acres of room in the third row, but if you want a luxury SUV with brand cachet, standard all-wheel drive, sleek design and smart technology, the 2018 Audi Q7 nails the list.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you crave a 3-row luxury SUV that packs style, technology, enjoyable driving dynamics and the prestige that comes with every Audi, the 2018 Q7 has it all. Standard Quattro all-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 7,700 pounds and blast from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds feel like icing.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you intend on regularly utilizing the third row, you can find more space in an Infiniti QX60 or Acura MDX. The Q7's new cousin, the 3-row Volkswagen Atlas, is a lower-priced alternative with excellent interior flexibility. If you need more room still, look to the larger Mercedes-Benz GLS or GMC Yukon.

What's New for 2018

All-new just last year, Audi has since added a turbocharged 4-cylinder base engine to the existing supercharged V6, which drops the Q7's starting price to around $50,000. Updates for the 2018 Q7 include standard Audi advanced key, while Premium Plus trims gain the 3D Bose Surround Sound system.

Driving It

Driving Impressions

The first-gen Audi Q7 was already among the most fun-to-drive 3-row SUVs available, and its dynamics and driving enjoyment have only gotten better with this new, 2nd-gen model. That's what happens when you lose roughly 500 pounds, lower your center of gravity by 1.7 inches and install a 5-link front/rear suspension. On the road, this translates to an SUV that's supple and quiet in everyday driving, and dynamically polished when the need for speed or a curvy road beckons. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is a commendable powerhouse. The new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine packs decent motivation for its size but lacks the deeper reserves of the V6 for high-speed passing and towing. Whichever model you choose, you'll be rewarded with fantastic steering feel. Opt for the Adaptive Chassis Package available on the Prestige variants, and you'll get full air suspension and 4-wheel steering that helps slice three feet off the turning circle.

Favorite Features

AUDI VIRTUAL COCKPIT
This tech option makes the 2018 Audi Q7 dash look like something out of the future. The Virtual Cockpit replaces traditional analog speedometer and gauges with an immersive 12.3-inch digital display. Fully configurable and connected via 4G LTE, it can show everything from Google Earth maps to what's playing on satellite radio.

ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
Exclusive to the top-end Q7 Prestige trim, Adaptive Air Suspension is part of the Adaptive Chassis Package that also includes 4-wheel steering. Along with improving comfort and control, it can raise ride height 2.4 inches for better off-road ground clearance, and lower it an inch at freeways speeds to reduce aero drag.

Vehicle Details

Interior

Audi has a knack for crafting some of the finest yet most useful cabins, and the Q7 is no exception. The interior of Audi's flagship SUV is highlighted by standard leather upholstery and a recast dash with an A8-style double-inlay design. Logically arrayed controls, a fresh 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and highly legible instrumentation -- both conventional and the via the Virtual Cockpit display -- round out its more user-friendly character. The Q7’s new platform expands interior volume and cargo space, which includes nearly 15 cubic feet of space behind the third row. For humans, that last row is quite tight.

Exterior

Although exterior dimensions and wheelbase on the latest-gen Q7 have decreased marginally, this latest iteration puts a more sophisticated visual spin on the SUV formula while imparting an even sleeker character that brings an impressively low 0.32 coefficient of drag. Up front, the Q7's prominent Singleframe grille portrays strength and premium appeal, while edgier fascia treatments, bolder front/rear lighting elements and sporty-looking twin tailpipes in back bring it all together. On the practical side, the tailgate is power-operated, and the standard xenon headlights make night driving easier.

Notable Standard Equipment

The 2018 Q7 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. With a name like "Premium," it's no surprise that even a base Q7 is well-equipped. Highlights include leather interior with heated front seats, 3-zone climate control, power tailgate and panoramic sunroof. The Q7 features a 7-inch center display, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD Radio with USB/SD card inputs and Bluetooth streaming. The Q7's safety features include Audi pre sense and pre sense city, which can monitor traffic and watch for pedestrians. If a collision appears imminent, the car will warn the driver and, ultimately, apply the brakes on its own.

Under the Hood

Two engines are available in the 2018 Q7. The new base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That's enough for a pretty swift 0-60-mph time of 7.1 seconds, but with more than a couple of passengers and their gear, this engine risks feeling saddled. Not so with the optional supercharged V6, which makes 333 ponies and 325 lb-ft of twist, and has a 0-60-mph time of 5.7 seconds. Both engines are linked to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, and all Q7s have standard all-wheel drive. The 4-cylinder is rated to tow 4,400 pounds and the V6 a stout 7,700 pounds. Like more and more new cars, the Q7 has an idle start/stop system that can be manually deactivated.

Pricing Notes

With the introduction of the 4-cylinder Q7, getting into one of these Audi luxury SUVs just became easier. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a 2018 Q7 begins at $50,875, including destination charge. The recommendable midtrim Premium Plus model starts at $54,875. Adding the supercharged V6 to either trim costs $6,500. The top-line Q7 Prestige, which includes the V6, begins over $66,000. All in, a fully loaded Q7 luxury SUV can top $80,000. At these figures, the Audi has a lower starting price than the BMW X5 and 5-passenger Mercedes-Benz GLE, though those both come standard with a 6-cylinder engine. For less money, you can get an Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX or Volvo XC90. Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their new Q7. As with other Audis, the Q7's resale value is expected to hold up well.